Aimed squarely at the growing online-gaming market, Electronic Arts' latest PC action-strategy title Battlefield 1942 is a tense, involving game that wisely doesn't totally ignore the single player. Set in the midst of the Second World War, the action plays out as a satisfying hybrid of the tactical, slow build-up of Ghost Recon, mixed in with the more action-based Medal of Honor: Allied Assault. Kicking off with an overall map of the area, each game requires some strategic planning before you get down to business, and with 35 vehicles on offer, as well as five classes of character to step into the shoes of, there's much to consider. To the developers' credit, it's quite an easy game to get to grips with, and it positively reeks of polish. The stylised graphics and sound convey the action well, and do contribute to the nice, slow build-up of tension before the skirmishes kick off. Even though you only control one character at a time, you are left feeling part of a team fighting against a common enemy. As a one player experience, the game's not too bad, thanks to an unscripted approach to each level. It does leave you without a real long-term goal to aim at though. However, in multiplayer mode, Battlefield 1942 really comes into its own, as no matter how strong the artificial intelligence of the computer opponent--and here it isn't bad at all--it's scant compensation for a real, unpredictable human opponent. At its maximum capacity, up to 64 humans can take part in any single game and, even with smaller numbers, the online nature of the game is completely compelling. It's an easy recommendation for those who like to fight their battles over the net, and a reasonable, if limited single challenge too. --Simon Brew